Thurrock is situated in the south-west of Essex and borders the north bank of the Thames. Thurrock is the gateway to London with easy access to both Kent and Essex via the M25 motorway and Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe.
This thriving borough encompasses huge swathes of green belt country and along its 18 miles (29km) of Thames frontage are many important marshland wildlife habitats.The area's unique riverside location and vast natural resources are the key to its past and future development, growth and success.
For lovers of history and heritage Thurrock's fascinating past will be of great interest. Prehistoric tribes settled here and worked the land followed by Romans, then by Anglo-Saxons, whose settlement were unearthed by archaeologists at Mucking. The importance of agriculture in the area continued into the mediaeval period, reflected by the magnificent Woolmarket at Horndon-on-the-Hill.
The defence of the capital was closely linked with Thurrock. Henry VIII built riverside Block Houses at East and West Tilbury, which later became Coalhouse Fort and Tilbury Fort. It was at West Tilbury that Queen Elizabeth I gave her famous speech to her troops, gathered to meet the Spanish Armada threat. Both forts played an important defence role during the two world wars and visitors can see military hardware from that period at the forts as well as enjoying the tremendous river views.
The area has many bridleways, footpaths and country parks, including Davy Down within the Mardyke valley. The river's floodplain is a broad tract of grassland which is an important feature of the landscape of the area.
Thurrock has won many awards in national competitions in recognition of its community's floral achievements.
If you take the trouble to leave the beaten track of the M25 and the A13 you will discover some delightful picture postcard villages which still retain traditional features such as the village green, church and pub.
Fitness enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Thurrock. The borough's leisure centres boast a wide range of facilities and in addition there are watersports and motorsports centres in the area. You can also, during certain weeks of the year, take a trip on a paddlesteamer to London and the East Anglia and Kent coasts or cruise the Thames on the MV Princess Pocahontas.
Thurrock has entertainment venues to suit every taste and pocket from cinemas, bingo, restaurants and bars, theatre, cabaret and clubs as well as an exciting round of annual events to enjoy.
Location key for numbers on the map above and adjacent to descriptions below:
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[1] South Ockendon [2] Stanford-le-Hope marshes [3] Stanford-le-Hope town [4] Langdon Hills Country Park [5] Thames Chase Community Forest [6] Davy Down and Mardyke Valley [7] Belhus Woods and Park [8] Grangewaters Country Park [9] Blackshots |
[10] Langdon Hills Country Park [11] Lakeside and West Thurrock [12] Purfleet [13] Grays [14] East Tilbury town [15] West Thurrock [16] North Stifford [17] Aveley [18] Corringham |
[19] Fobbing [20] Horndon-on-the-Hill [21] Orsett [22] West Tilbury [23] Linford [24] Tilbury marshes [25] Tilbury Fort [26] Coalhouse Fort [27] East Tilbury village |
Thurrock's country parks, nature reserves and conservation areas are home to a variety of wildlife. For more information telephone the Essex Wildlife Trust on 01621 862960 or Thames Chase on 01708 641880.
[1] Brannetts Wood is one of the oldest recorded ancient woodlands in South Essex. It can be reached from the Mardyke Way or Stifford Road in South Ockendon.
[5] Thames Chase Community Forest provides new woodland and is opening up new areas of countryside to the public. Davy Down in the Mardyke Valley forms the southern gateway of the forest. Tel 01708 641880.
[6] Mardyke Valley is an important wildlife corridor running from Ship Lane in Aveley to Orsett Fen. It has pleasant views on the seven mile (11km) walk along footpaths and bridleways. Tel 01708 641880.
[6] Davy Down within Mardyke Valley consists of around 32 acres (13 hectares) of attractive landscape including riverside meadows, ponds and wetland and retains rich heritage in the forms of the impressive viaduct, which dates from 1892, and the well preserved water pumping station which is now home to the information centre. A boardwalk leading from the car park to the riverside is suitable for wheelchairs and push chairs. Tel 01708 383744.
[4] Langdon Hills Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve's main entrance and visitors' centre is off the Lower Dunton Road, north of Horndon-on-the-Hill. A bridleway and footpaths take visitors to meadows, a pond and different ancient woods. Within the nature reserve is the Plotlands Museum which is an original 1930s plotland bungalow called the Haven. Tel 01268 419103.
[2] Stanford Marshes is an area to the south of Stanford-le-Hope, next to the Thames. The marshes are home to a variety of wildlife and are an ideal location for birdwatching.
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[8] Grangewaters Country Park in South Ockendon has two lakes within the park. Thurrock Environmental and Outdoor Education Centre, which manages the park, offers watersports, for example water-skiing, windsurfing and sailing and canoeing. Landbased activities include orienteering, off road biking and archery or a simple stroll enjoying the views. There are excellent facilities for people with physical and learning difficulties. Tel 01708 855228/856422.
[7] Belhus Woods Country Park covers approximately 250 acres and contains an interesting variety of habitats, including woodland, two lakes and the remains of a pond designed by "Capability" Brown. The visitors' centre is at the main entrance off Romford Road in South Ockendon. Nearby in Aveley, Kennington Park, newly opened, is also worth a visit. Tel 01708 865628.
[13] Grays Beach Riverside Park in Grays is a riverside park comprising an extensive play area with Britain's biggest play galleon. Visitors will also find adventure golf and a cafe. Tel 01375 386759.
[10] Langdon Hills Country Park north of Corringham boasts 400 acres (160 hectares) of ancient woodland and meadows. It has many rare trees and spectacular views of the Essex countryside. Entrance and visitor parking on One Tree Hill. Tel 01268 542066.
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There is a large variety of shops in Thurrock, from Lakeside Shopping Centre, which is one of the largest complexes in Europe, to village shops and markets. The borough's town shopping centres provide a wide range of family-run and high street brand-name retailers.
[11] Lakeside Shopping Centre attracts around 24 million visitors every year. There are more than 300 shops, a food court and a multiplex cinema. Lakeside is clearly signposted from junction 30 and 31 off the M25 and there is free parking space for 13,000 cars. Coach parking is also available. There are regular local bus services to the centre and Chafford Hundred railway station, near to Lakeside, is on the Fenchurch Street line to London. A shuttle bus regularly takes shoppers to the centre and a pedestrian bridge linking Lakeside to the railway station has been built. Tel 01708 869933.
Lakeside Retail Park is home to major stores, restaurants, a cinema, a leisure bingo complex and a watersports centre at the lake.
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Thurrock boasts a wide range of restaurants and pubs to suit any taste and the Lakeside Shopping Centre and retail park also has plenty of restaurants including a famous fish and chip restaurant that has opera and jazz nights.
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Horndon-on-the-Hill Feast & Fayre takes place in the mediaeval village every year to celebrate St Peter's Day. This is usually held on the last weekend in June.
Orsett Show, which originated in 1841, is a traditional agricultural show. It takes place on the first Saturday in September.
Tilbury Festival is usually held every year in July in the field near Tilbury Fort. There are arena events, stalls and general festivities.
There are many more events happening throughout the year from drama and beer festivals to events held at local tourist attractions. See the events database on this site.
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Cinemas- there are two multiplex cinemas in Thurrock:
[11] Vue Cinema is attached to the Lakeside Shopping Centre and has seven screens. Tel 08712 240240 for advance bookings.
[11] UCI Cinema has 10 screens and is in the retail park at Thurrock Lakeside. Tel 0870 0102030 for film information and bookings.
[12] Circus Tavern in Purfleet has regular shows with popular entertainers and a nightclub. Tel 01708 863838
[9] Civic Hall in Grays caters for a variety of events. Tickets and information from the box office on 01375 401234.
[11] Gala Bingo is located in the retail park at Thurrock Lakeside. Tel 01708 862773
[13] Mecca Bingo in Grays. Tel 01375 374897
[13] Thameside Theatre in Grays hosts a wide range of professional and amateur productions each year. The pantomime has been run annually for many years. Tickets and information from the box office on 01375 383961.
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There are many historic churches in the borough. They are a focal point in many of the villages. These are a few examples:
[27] St Catherine's, East Tilbury. Possibly on the site of one of the first Christian monasteries in the 7th century. It has a half-built tower constructed by the First World War Garrison of Coalhouse Fort.
[15] St Clement's, West Thurrock. Although the church is now redundant it achieved fame in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. This 12th century church was a stopping point for pilgrims and visitors can see the remains of its original round tower. There is also a mass grave to the boys of the reformatory ship Cornwall who were drowned in an accident off Purfleet.
[3] St Margaret's, Stanford-le-Hope. The graveyard has an unusual half-barrelled tomb, for James Adams (d.1765) richly decorated with a gruesome stone-carved symbol of death.
[16] St Mary's, North Stifford. Built on the site of an earlier Norman building, the church dates from the 13th century. Inside you can discover a pulpit dated 1611 with its contemporary wrought-iron hourglass stand.
[17] St Michael's, Aveley. There are many Flemish brasses and other items of historical interest in this early 12th century church. The brass of Radulphus de Knevynton (d.1370) is used as a supporter in the Thurrock Borough Coat of Arms.
[1] St Nicholas's, South Ockendon. Has one of only six round church towers in Essex. This one was built in the 13th century and used to have a spire, which was destroyed by lightning in the 17th century. Sir. Richard Saltonstall (d.1601) a Lord Mayor of London in Elizabethan times, is buried here.
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[18] Corringham has a picturesque cluster of timber-framed houses in the old village, leading up to the mediaeval church which retains some Saxon-Norman features.
[19] Fobbing is known for its connections with the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. On the outside of the White Lion public house there is a plaque from 1981 which commemorates the 600th anniversary of the Peasants' Revolt.
[20] Horndon-on-the-Hill is listed in the Domesday Book as Horninduna. This name appears on a Saxon coin of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066 AD) and suggests that Horninduna was once the site of a Royal Anglo-Saxon mint.
Horndon's 16th century Woolmarket indicates the importance of the wool trade and is one of the area's historical treasures.
[21] Orsett was the original seat of local government for the area and the site of a palace of the Bishop of London in mediaeval times. The village lock-up, last used as a prison in 1848, and animal pound still exist.
[12] Purfleet features in Bram Stoker's novel Draculain which the famous vampire buys a house called 'Carfax' and lives in Purfleet. In the 1880s and 1890s the Royal Hotel, by the Thames, was known as Wingrove's Hotel and was allegedly visited by Edward VII when Prince of Wales.
[22] West Tilbury was the site chosen for the Camp Royal in 1588 to prepare for the threatened Spanish invasion. Queen Elizabeth I visited the army at the site and gave her famous speech. "I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman: but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too."
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[12] Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre has a display of many items of interest and memorabilia in the setting of the No 5 Gunpowder Magazine which was built in the 1770s for testing and issuing gunpowder to the army and navy. Many events and exhibitions are also held throughout the year. Tel 01708 523409/689821 or visit www.purfleet-heritage.com.
[13] Thurrock Museum is in the Thameside Complex in Grays. The only registered museum of Thurrock it has extensive galleries where you can discover the archaeology, social and industrial heritage of the area. The public gallery holds over 1,500 objects which follow a time line of a quarter of a million years back to pre-historic peoples who once occupied this area. The museum collects, conserves and displays items of archaeology and local history, it operates an enquiry service, educational talks and handling sessions. The museum also organises walking tours of the borough in the summer and organises special heritage coach trips by appointment. Tel 01375 382555
Local Studies Area of Thurrock Library Service is in the same building as Thurrock Museum, here you can study the written history of the area, including plans and archives. Tel 01375 413976
[23] Walton Hall Museum of Memorabilia is in Linford on Walton Hall Road. There is a large collection of historic farm machinery to see and also the opportunity to watch traditional craftsmen at work . Visitors can browse through the fascinating collection of memorabilia housed within the 17th century barn. Children can also enjoy the play area. Tel 01375 671874.
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[11] Arena Essex is the venue for motorsports in the area. There is regular banger racing, hot rods and stock cars at the track in West Thurrock. Tel 01708 867728/890719. Also on the site is Lakeside Karting where you can "arrive and drive" Tel 01708 863070.
[24] Tilbury Energy & Environment Centre at Tilbury Power Station provides a nature reserve and study centre for schools and community education. Tel Essex Wildlife Trust Warden on 01375 852768 or Tilbury Power Station on 01375 852704 for power station tours.
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[26] Coalhouse Fort is by the Thames at East Tilbury village. It was built between 1861 and 1874 to defend the Thames against invasion. It is regarded as one of the best examples of an armoured casemate fortress in the country. Tel 01375 844203.
[14] East Tilbury and the Bata Estate is a conservation area of architectural and historical interest. The British Bata Shoe Company created a housing estate for its workforce in the 1930s and the uniform flat-roofed houses can still be seen.
[20] Horndon Woolmarket in the village of Horndon-on-the-Hill was built in the early 16th century. The upper room served as Horndon's manor courtroom and the lower open area was used for trading in woollen cloth.
[25] Tilbury Fort, owned by English Heritage, is on the Thames at Tilbury. It is one of Britain's finest examples of a Star-Shaped Bastion Fortress. Tel 01375 858489.
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[7] Belhus Park Leisure Centre in South Ockendon Tel 01708 856297 Golf shop Tel 01708 854260.
[9] Blackshots Leisure Centre in Grays. Tel 01375 375533.
[18] Corringham Leisure Centre in Corringham Tel 01375 678070.
[25] Tilbury Leisure Centre in Tilbury Tel 01375 856886.
There are several private sports and health centres in the area and at schools and colleges.
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Welcome to Thurrock Libraries for books, information, CDs, DVDs, Playstation games, books on cassette, videos, internet and word processing facilities, children's activities, newspapers and magazines, local history, fax and photocopying. There are 10 libraries across the borough, a mobile library and a housebound service.
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Thurrock is strategically situated at the junction of the M25 and A13. The A13 is a route from London to Southend.
By Rail C2C Rail service from Fenchurch Street (and Liverpool Street occasionally) in London. C2C enquiries Tel 08457 678765. National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950
By Bus Traveline 0870 608 2 608
London International Cruise Terminal is at the Port of Tilbury. It frequently has cruise liners visiting and can berth up to two vessels at one time.
Tilbury - Gravesend Ferry Service (passengers only) Tel 07973 390124
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There are a variety of places to stay in Thurrock. Please see our accommodation database.
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